Locking device

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a locking device primarily used for releasably joining two terminal end portions of jewelry items, although the locking device may also be used to releasably join two terminal end portions of non-jewelry items or the terminal end portions of two separate items. One embodiment of a locking device according to the present invention, for example, may comprise a first arrangement that includes at least one end portion that is at least partially open and an extension or a hole. The locking device may also comprise a second arrangement having a protrusion that is insertable into the first arrangement at the at least one end portion to place the first and second arrangements in a locked position. The locking device may also include a third arrangement that is connected to the second arrangement. In certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention, for example, when the third arrangement is acted upon, the third arrangement forces the protrusion to change in at least one of shape, size or orientation so that the protrusion is removable from the extension or the hole and cause the first and second arrangements to be in an unlocked position.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a locking device. More particularly,the present invention relates to a locking device primarily used forreleasably joining two ends, e.g., terminal ends of jewelry items.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

With the various types of locking devices for jewelry items, oneparticular category of locking devices typically comprise a compressibletongue member that is slidably inserted into a generally rectangularsocket member to releasably join two terminal ends of jewelry items.Such mechanisms are useful for minimizing or preventing unintendedseparation of the terminal ends of jewelry items, and thereby possibledamage and/or loss thereof.

There exists certain problems with existing locking devices. One suchproblem can be that the locking device mechanism may not be sufficientlysecure and therefore be inadvertently released, causing jewelry to bedamaged or lost. Another problem with existing locking devices can bethat they may be difficult to handle, operate, lock and unlock. This isgenerally the case when it is necessary to directly press on a tongue,or on a button type of member that presses directly on a tongue, so asto release the tongue from being held fastened in a locked position. Infact, the conventional devices may break when pressure is applied onsuch tongues.

SUMMARY OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

One of the objects of the present invention is to overcome thedeficiencies commonly associated with the prior art, and provide alocking device that is securely fastenable so as to not be inadvertentlydisengaged and that is relatively easy to handle and operate as well asa method associated therewith.

One such exemplary embodiment according to the present invention isdirected to a locking device that comprises a first arrangement that mayinclude at least one end portion that is at least partially open and anextension or a hole. The locking device may also comprise a secondarrangement having a protrusion that is insertable into the firstarrangement at such one end to place the first and second arrangementsin a locked position. The locking device may also comprise a thirdarrangement that can be connected to the second arrangement. When thethird arrangement is acted upon, for example, the third arrangement mayforce the protrusion to change at least one of shape, size ororientation so that the protrusion is removable from the extension orthe hole, and may cause the first and second arrangements to be in anunlocked position.

Another exemplary embodiment according to the present invention isdirected to a jewelry arrangement having a first terminal end and asecond terminal end. For example, a first arrangement may be connectedto the first terminal end and include (i) at least one end that is atleast partially open and (ii) an extension or a hole. A secondarrangement may be connected to the second terminal end and have aprotrusion that is insertable into the first arrangement at the at leastone end to place the first and second arrangements in a locked position.A third arrangement may be connected to the second arrangement. When thethird arrangement is acted upon, for example, the third arrangement canforce the protrusion to change at least one of shape, size ororientation so that the protrusion is removable from the extension orthe hole, and may cause the first and second arrangements to be in anunlocked position.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an exemplarymethod for releasably connecting two terminal ends of a jewelry itemutilizing a locking device having a first arrangement and a secondarrangement. The first arrangement can include (i) at least one end thatis at least partially open and (ii) an extension or a hole, and thesecond arrangement may have a protrusion that is insertable into thefirst arrangement at the at least one end to place the first and secondarrangements in a locked position, for example. The exemplary lockingdevice may also have a third arrangement connected to the secondarrangement. For example, when the third arrangement is acted upon, thethird arrangement may force the protrusion to change in at least one ofshape, size or orientation so that the protrusion is removable from theextension or the hole, and can cause the first and second lockingarrangements to be in an unlocked position. The exemplary method cancomprise, for example, the procedure of inserting the protrusion of thesecond arrangement into the first arrangement.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the presentinvention will become apparent upon reading the following detaileddescription of embodiments of the invention, when taken in conjunctionwith the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further objects, features and advantages of the invention will becomeapparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying Figures showing illustrative embodiments of theinvention, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of a lockingdevice according to the present invention where the safety clip isfastened;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of the exemplary embodiment ofthe locking device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another portion of the exemplaryembodiment of the locking device shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the exemplary embodiment of the locking deviceshown in FIGS. 1-3 illustrating an arrangement of a tongue spring with aprotruding part of the box being held firmly together in a lockedposition;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the lockingdevice shown in FIGS. 1-4 illustrating the arrangement of the tonguespring with the protruding part of the box being held firmly together inthe locked position;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the exemplary embodiment of the locking deviceshown in FIGS. 1-5 provided in the locked position;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the exemplary embodiment of the locking deviceshown in FIGS. 1-6 in which a safety clip is rotated out of the lockedposition;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a portion of the exemplary embodiment ofthe locking device shown in FIGS. 1-7 in which the safety clip isrotated out of the locked position, as further illustrated in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another portion of the exemplaryembodiment of the locking device shown in FIGS. 1-8, in which the safetyclip is rotated so a screw presses on an upper part of the tonguemaintaining it;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the portion of the exemplary embodimentof the locking device shown in FIG. 9, in which the safety clip isrotated so the screw presses on the upper part of the tongue,maintaining it so the upper part of the tongue is lower than theprotruding part of the box, and thus the tongue is loosened and releasedfrom the box;

FIG. 11 is another perspective view of the portion of the exemplaryembodiment of the locking device shown in FIGS. 9 and 10; and

FIG. 12 is a side view of the exemplary embodiment of the locking deviceshown in FIGS. 1-11, in which the safety clip is provided in a releasedpositioned and the tongue is loosened and released to slide from thebox.

Throughout the figures, the same reference numerals and characters,unless otherwise stated, are used to denote like features, elements,components or portions of the illustrated embodiments. Moreover, whilethe subject invention will now be described in detail with reference tothe figures, it is done so in connection with the illustrativeembodiments. It is intended that changes and modifications can be madeto the described embodiments without departing from the true scope andspirit of the subject invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a lockingdevice 1 accordingly to the present invention. The locking device 1comprises a first arrangement 2 and a second arrangement 3. Each of thefirst and second arrangements 2, 3 is typically connected to twoseparate terminal ends of a jewelry item, respectively, by any suitablejoining procedure, such as, e.g., soldering, molding, etc. Such firstand second arrangements 2, 3 may also be provided as parts of thejewelry item design, for example, so that the jewelry item may bemanufactured such that each end terminates with one of the first andsecond arrangements 2, 3, respectively. Such jewelry item may be anecklace, a bracelet or a wristwatch band, for example.

It should be appreciated that although such a locking device maytypically be used to releasably join terminal ends of the jewelry items,such locking device may be used to releasably join two terminal ends ofother items or the terminal ends of two separate items together, as maybe desired. Other such items may include e.g., hanging decorations,signs, etc. The size of the exemplary locking device may vary so as tobe suitable of being used with a variety of jewelry and other items. Thematerial used to manufacture the exemplary locking device may also bevaried so as to be suitable for use with jewelry and other items. Forexample, the exemplary locking device may be made of 14 carat white goldso as to match a 14 carat white gold necklace with which it is to beused, 18 carat gold, platinum, silver, etc.

The exemplary embodiment of the locking device 1 as shown in FIG. 1 isprovided in a locked position with the first and second arrangements 2,3 being secured together using a safety clip 4 for fastening thereof. Asshown in FIG. 1, this exemplary embodiment of the locking device 1 caninclude the safety clip 4, which is attached to first arrangement 2 viaa screw wheel 6. Extending from the screw wheel 6 as part of the safetyclip 4 is lever arm 5, which includes an open portion 7 (e.g., athrough-hole) near the distal end of the lever arm from the screw wheel6, as shown in FIG. 1. The open portion 7 can be orientatedperpendicularly to the lever arm 5 so as to be capable of securelyfastening or snapping onto a knob 8, which extends perpendicularly fromthe second arrangement 3 so as to lock the device 1, as shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention shown in FIG. 1, having the inner portions of firstarrangement 2 exposed so as to reveal a tongue 9 (e.g. springed member)that includes tongue members 9 a and 9 b. The tongue 9 may be formedfrom a single piece of sheet metal, for example, which can be foldedback on itself to form a relatively firm portion 9 a and a resilientportion 9 b. The resilient portion 9 b can extend at a slight angle fromthe fold to form a spring-like mechanism, as shown in FIG. 3. Theresilient portion 9 b can include a notch 9 c on the distal end-portionof the resilient portion from the fold in close proximity to the screwwheel 6, as shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 2 also shows an open end 10 of the first arrangement 2. Aprotruding part 11 can extend into the open end 10 so as to be congruentwith the notch 9 c, as shown in further detail in FIGS. 4 and 5. Forexample, FIGS. 4 and 5 are top and perspective views, respectively, ofthe exemplary embodiment of the locking device 1 shown in FIGS. 1-3. Thetongue 9 is shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 in an uncompressed state, with theresilient portion 9 b angling behind the protruding part 11 so as toprevent the tongue 9 from being pulled and separated from the firstarrangement 2, thereby holding the first arrangement 2 firmly togetherwith the tongue 9 in the locked position.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the embodiment of the locking device 1 shown inFIGS. 1-5, with the locking device 1 being in a locked position withrespect to the first and second arrangements 2, 3. The first and secondarrangements 2, 3 are secured to one another with the resilient portion9 b angling behind the protruding part 11, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.Additionally, the lever arm 5 is shown in its secure position, with theprotrusion 8 being showed as protruding or extending through the opening7 of the lever arm 5.

FIG. 7, similarly to FIG. 6, shows a side view of the exemplaryembodiment of the locking device 1 illustrated in FIGS. 1-5. However,unlike the illustrations of FIG. 6, FIG. 7 shows that the lever arm 5has been rotated approximately 135 degrees from its secured position(provided in FIG. 6). As the lever arm 5 is rotated, an edge 12 (shownin FIG. 8) of the screw wheel 6 is pressed against the resilient member9 b of the tongue 9 so as to press the resilient member 9 b closer to(and even against) the relatively firm member 9 a to be in a compressedstate, as in FIGS. 8 and 9.

For example, FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the same exemplaryembodiment as illustrated in FIGS. 1-7, in which the second arrangement3 has been removed to reveal and clearly provide the tongue 9 and theedge 12 of the screw wheel 6. FIG. 9 also shows a perspective view ofthe same exemplary embodiment as illustrated in FIGS. 1-7, in which boththe first and second arrangements 2, 3 have been removed to clearlyprovide the exemplary arrangement of the tongue 9, including therelatively fixed firm member 9 a, the resilient member 9 b, the notch 9c, the lever arm 5, and the screw wheel 6 with the edge 12. As shown inFIG. 9, the resilient member 9 b is pressed closer to and even againstthe relatively firm member 9 a so as to allow the notch 9 c on thetongue member 9 b to be unobstructed and passable over the protrusion 11of the first arrangement 2 when pulled, thereby allowing the first andsecond arrangements 2, 3 to be separated from one another.

It is to be understood that the angle of rotation of the lever arm 5 maybe varied in various ways depending on the exemplary embodiment in whichthe present invention is employed. According to further exemplaryembodiments, the lever arm 5 may be otherwise transformable,translatable or rotatable in different directions and at varying anglesfrom those shown in FIGS. 6-9. For example, depending on the exemplaryconfiguration, the edge 12 of the screw wheel 6 may be configured and/ormechanically linked to press the resilient member 9 b closer to and even(or parallel) against or to the relatively firm member 9 a so as toallow the notch 9 c of the resilient member 9 b to unobstructed andpassable over the notch 11 of the first member portion 2 when pulled,and thereby allowing the first and second arrangements 2, 3 to beseparated from one another.

FIGS. 10-12 show different views of the same exemplary embodimentillustrated in FIGS. 1-9, except where the resilient member 9 b isprovided lower than the protrusion 11 of the first arrangement 2. Thisexemplary configuration facilitates the notch 9 c provided on theresilient member 9 b to be unobstructed and passable over the protrusion11 when the first arrangement 2 is pulled away from the secondarrangement 3. The tongue 9 is thereby loosened and allowed to be pulledfrom the second arrangement 2 so that the first and second arrangements2, 3 can be separated from one another.

In particular, FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of such exemplaryembodiment, largely as viewed from the side, which illustrates how theedge 12 presses against the resilient member 9 b of the tongue 9 whenthe lever arm 5 is further rotated.

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of this exemplary embodiment that showsthe tongue 9 being freed (or unlocked) and slid (or removed) from thefirst arrangement 2. The second arrangement 3 (as shown in FIG. 11) hasbeen removed to more clearly illustrate how the resilient member 9 b ispressed close to and even against (e.g., parallel to) the relativelyfirm member 9 a so that the notch 9 c on the resilient tongue member 9 bbecomes unobstructed and passable over the protrusion 11 in the firstarrangement 2.

FIG. 12 shows a side view of this exemplary embodiment that alsoillustrates the tongue 9 being freed (or unlocked) and slid (or removed)from the first arrangement 2. As shown in FIG. 12, the secondarrangement 3 is shown as having the tongue 9 attached thereto, thusillustrating the first and second arrangements 2, 3 being freed andseparated from one other. When each of the first and second arrangements2, 3 are connected to two separate terminal ends of a jewelry or otheritem, for example, such terminal ends of a jewelry or other item (viathe first and second arrangements 2, 3) can thus be freed and separated(e.g., released) from one another accordingly.

To reconnect the first and second arrangements 2, 3 to one another, andthus the two terminal ends of the jewelry or other arrangement, forexample, the procedure for separating or decoupling the first and secondarrangements 2, 3 can simply be reversed. However, it is not necessaryto orientate the lever arm 5 before pressing the first and secondarrangements 2, 3 together so that the tongue 9 slides into the firstarrangement 2 orientated so that the resilient member 9 b is closer tothe side of the first arrangement 2 from which the protrusion 11extends. For example, the first and second arrangements 2, 3 can bepressed together until notch 9 c slides past the protrusion 11. Thelever arm 5 may then be secured by rotating and pressing it towards thefirst arrangement 2, so that the open portion 7 snaps onto or is securedto the knob 8, at which point the locking device 1 is secure in a lockedposition.

The foregoing merely illustrates the principles of the invention.Various modifications and alterations to the described embodiments willbe apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein.It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be ableto devise numerous devices, arrangements and methods which, although notexplicitly shown or described herein, embody the principles of theinvention and are thus within the spirit and scope of the presentinvention. The detailed description, given by way of example, but notintended to limit the invention solely to the specific embodimentsdescribed, may best be understood in conjunction with the accompanyingFigures.

1. A locking device, comprising: a first arrangement including (i) atleast one end portion that is at least partially open and (ii) anextension or a hole; a second arrangement having a protrusion that isinsertable into the first arrangement at the at least one end portion toplace the first and second arrangements in a locked position; and athird arrangement connected to the second arrangement, wherein, when thethird arrangement is acted upon, the third arrangement causes theprotrusion to change in at least one of shape, size or orientation sothat the protrusion is removable from the extension or the hole andcause the first and second arrangements to be in an unlocked position.2. The locking device recited in claim 1, wherein the protrusion has aresilient portion and a relatively fixed portion.
 3. The locking devicerecited in claim 2, wherein the resilient portion of the protrusion hasa notch.
 4. The locking device recited in claim 3, wherein, when thefirst and second arrangements are provided in the locked position, theresilient portion of the protrusion extends behind the extension so thatthe notch presses upon or contacts the extension to prevent theprotrusion from being removed from the first arrangement.
 5. The lockingdevice recited in claim 4, wherein the third arrangement is rotatable soas to press upon or contact the resilient portion of the protrusion whenrotated, and thereby facilitate the protrusion to be removed from thefirst arrangement.
 6. The locking device recited in claim 1, wherein thethird arrangement is rotatable.
 7. The locking device recited in claim1, wherein the third arrangement includes a lever.
 8. The locking devicerecited in claim 1, wherein the third arrangement includes a wheel. 9.The locking device recited in claim 1, wherein the resilient portion ofthe protrusion and the relatively fixed portion of the protrusion havespring-like characteristics.
 10. The locking device recited in claim 9,wherein the protrusion is composed of one piece of metal or a singlepiece member, and wherein the shape of the protrusion is such that itforms an acute angle between the resilient portion and the relativelyfixed portion.
 11. The locking device recited in claim 1, wherein thefirst arrangement includes a protruding knob.
 12. The locking devicerecited in claim 11, wherein the third arrangement is rotatable andincludes a lever with a hole, and wherein the protruding knob ispositioned in a vicinity of the hole when the third member is rotated.13. The locking device recited in claim 1, wherein the first arrangementis substantially hollow.
 14. The locking device recited in claim 1,wherein the locking device is connected to a jewelry item having atleast two terminal ends, and wherein one of the terminal ends of thejewelry item is connected to the first arrangement, and another one ofthe terminal ends of the jewelry item is connected to the secondarrangement.
 15. The locking device recited in claim 14, wherein theterminal ends of the jewelry item are connected to the locking device bya joining arrangement.
 16. The locking device recited in claim 14,wherein each of the first and second arrangements are manufactured asparts of the jewelry item.
 17. The locking device recited in claim 1,wherein the first and second arrangements are connected to at least twoterminal ends of a further arrangement.
 18. The locking device recitedin claim 1, wherein the first and second arrangements are lockingarrangements.
 19. A jewelry device comprising: a first terminal endportion; a second terminal end portion; a first arrangement connected tothe first terminal end portion, including (i) at least one end portionthat is at least partially open and (ii) an extension or a hole; asecond arrangement connected to the second terminal end portion andhaving a protrusion that is insertable into the first arrangement at theat least one end portion to provide the first and second arrangements ina locked position; and a third arrangement connected to the secondarrangement, wherein, when the third arrangement is acted upon, thethird arrangement causes the protrusion to change in at least one ofshape, size or orientation so that the protrusion is removable from theextension or the hole and cause the first and second arrangements to bein an unlocked position.
 20. A method for releasably connecting twoterminal end portions of a jewelry item with a locking device,comprising: providing a first arrangement including (i) at least one endportion that is at least partially open and (ii) an extension or a hole,providing a second arrangement having a protrusion that is insertableinto the first arrangement at the at least one end portion to place thefirst and second arrangements in a locked position, providing a thirdarrangement connected to the second arrangement, wherein, when the thirdarrangement is acted upon, the third arrangement forces the protrusionto change in at least one of shape, size or orientation so that theprotrusion is removable from the extension or the hole and cause thefirst and second arrangements to be in an unlocked position, andproviding one ability to insert the protrusion of the second arrangementinto the first arrangement.